Ancistrus sp. 1♂ + 5♀ with two concurrent batches of eggs!

[BrownBullhead]

I have a bit of a dilemma ... I have 1♂ + 5♀ with two concurrent batches of eggs. That's right, the male spawned two nights ago with one female in one spawning log; then he did it again last night with another female in another spawning log. He seems to be fanning batch #1, which was much smaller than batch #2 (and smaller than his other recent broods), but I am hoping he'll find a way to "multitask" and fan both (go between logs maybe?). What do you think the chances are that both broods will hatch out without becoming fungused? I have a LOT of water movement in the tank, but water can't exactly flow through a log with one opening. At the very least, I wish he would mind the larger batch of eggs, but he seems to prefer the first (smaller) batch so far. Argh.

[cichlidguy]

Two thoughts come to mind, first you could use a small pump with a gentle flow aimed at the entrance of the log to bring in fresh water, or secondly you could put the clutch of eggs in a breeder trap with an air stone to hatch them out. I have used the second approach successfully when my male has kicked the eggs out of the cave. HTH

-John

[BrownBullhead]

I do have A LOT of water movement in this tank; I may even be understating that. :) If I use one of the rigid plastic clear floating breeder boxes, there would be awesome water movement thoughout it. I have used the same method for other catfishes, and it sounds as though I may not have much of a choice when it comes to Mr. Ancistrus. I guess it was wishful thinking that he would tend to two spawning logs concurrently.

I have 200 or so fry in a growout tank, so saving these fry is not "essential" but it seems as though it would be negligent of me to just let the potential go to waste. People always want this species if for nothing else other than utilitarian purposes, and to simply "throw them away" doesn't seem right.

Thank you for the feedback so far!

[cichlidguy]

Then perhaps the breeder trap is the way to go and give that poor fellow a break. With five ladies to satisfy and two spawns to tend to, I'm sure he'll be needing a break...lol

-John